Dreaming of your next big adventure but worried about breaking the bank? Fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to setting and keeping a travel budget, ensuring your wanderlust dreams come true without emptying your wallet.

Plan Ahead: Start by researching your dream destination. Determine its general cost of living. What are the average fees for accommodation, food, and activities. Websites like Skyscanner and Airbnb are your new best friends!

Set a Realistic Budget: Look at your finances and decide how much you can save each month. Break down your travel budget into categories: flights, accommodation, food, activities, and extras. Use budgeting apps like Rocket Money, Simplifi, and You Need a Budget (YNAB) to keep track.

Save Smart: Open a dedicated travel savings account and set up automatic transfers. Cut back on non-essentials like daily lattes and dining out. Remember, every dollar saved is a step closer to your adventure!

Hunt for Deals: Sign up for airline newsletters and follow travel deal sites like Going Cheap Flights. Flash sales and off-season travel can save you big bucks.

Stick to Your Plan: While traveling, keep a daily budget. Apps like Trabee Pocket are very helpful. Doling out cash may seem like a great way of not overspending but there are risks.

Your trip may come to an abrupt stop if all your currency is stolen.  Instead, try using a no exchange fee credit card and tract your day-to-day expenditures.

Embrace Local Culture: Eat where the locals eat, use public transport, and seek out free activities. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get a richer travel experience.

Become a Volunteer: Travel with a purpose. An opportunity to get involved while experiencing day to day life in several countries world-wide.  Worldpackers offers a variety of engagements from eco-villages, NGOs, farming, and schools.

Quality Gear: Quality doesn’t have to be expensive, but expensive doesn’t guarantee quality.  Look for well made clothing, luggage and accessories.  Fad fashion may be fun at home but mix and match, layerable and easy to hand wash if necessary is best.  Luggage-strong wheels, metal hardware, rugged and stylish will keep you from having to replace the item after 1 or 2 trips.  For a great carry on that fits under an airline seat, protects your electronic devices, has anti-theft features not found in bags 3x its cost…check out the ‘ULTI’™ Travel Bag by CONMIGO®.

With these tips, you’ll be exploring the world without financial stress. Happy travels!